There has been some backlash following a confined space rescue attempt in May by Liberty Township volunteer firefighters after a review found they violated OSHA regulations, according to The Star Press.
Indiana Department of Labor investigators found the firefighters were not trained in confined-space rescues when they responded to the incident at 5009 E. Centennial Avenue on May 26 in which two men died.
Two firefighters entered a 5-foot diameter by 12-foot deep well pit to rescue four people -- including two firefighters -- who had been overcome by muriatic acid vapor and/or hydrogen sulfide, according to the report.
Plumber Eric Dalton, 40, and his assistant, Justin Benson, 19, died after entering the pit to make repairs.
Volunteer Firefighters Rick Compton Sr. and Brian Buck were overcome by fumes as they tried to rescue the two men and survived after being pulled out by their colleagues.
Both firefighters arrived on the scene in their personal vehicles wearing street clothes ahead of responding fire trucks and entered the well unaware of the dangerous fumes.
Muncie firefighters trained in confined-space rescue responded and helped harness the victims so they could be pulled out.
Since the Liberty Township Fire Department was not trained in confined-space rescues, it has changed its rules to make sure firefighters are not doing anything they are not trained in. The department has also stopped allowing members to drive personal vehicles to the scene, Chief Brent Devine told the newspaper.
Devine said it would take his department three years to train and equip firefighters for confined-space rescue.
Based on the recommendation of the Indiana Department of Labor, the firefighters are completing technical rescue awareness courses provided through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.
The fire department is hoping that the actions taken will allow them to avoid paying a $1,500 fine.
